Saoirse Brady

Ms Brady, currently head of legal, policy and public affairs at the Children’s Rights Alliance, will take up the role with effect from Tuesday 3 May 2022, succeeding Fíona Ní Chinnéide.

Molly Joyce, who is currently leading the IPRT staff team as acting executive director, will resume her previous role as legal and public affairs manager once Ms Brady takes up her post.

Speaking on behalf of the IPRT board, chairperson Dr Seamus Taylor said: “It is with great pleasure that we announce the appointment of Saoirse Brady as IPRT’s next executive director.

“Saoirse has extensive experience in human rights advocacy, alongside a proven track record of achieving meaningful change for the groups she has represented. Her strong vision, passion and enthusiasm for progressive penal policy reform came through clearly throughout the recruitment process.

“Acting in senior advocacy and rights-led roles, Saoirse is very well respected in her field and has developed productive relationships with civil society and other stakeholders. Saoirse’s expertise in effective partnership working towards shared goals will also be particularly beneficial to IPRT in realising our long-term goals as we enter our next chapter.

“Saoirse’s appointment represents an exciting opportunity for fresh perspectives, coupled with an experienced staff team, as the board works with Saoirse to develop our ambitious plans for the future of the organisation and the penal reform landscape in Ireland. The board is looking forward to working with Saoirse, and we have no doubt that IPRT will continue to develop under her leadership.”

Ms Brady said: “I am delighted to take up the role as executive director of IPRT, an organisation that I’ve long admired and respected for its rights-based and impactful advocacy to make the Irish penal system more fair and just.

“I’m particularly excited to lead the development of a new strategic plan, building on IPRT’s many successes and identifying key priorities for the next five years at a time of opportunity for real and meaningful change.”

She added: “I would like to pay tribute to the previous executive directors of IPRT who have shaped the organisation into the well-respected, dynamic human rights organisation it is today. I’m looking forward to working with the dedicated and impressive team and the expert board to respond to and meet the challenges posed by the pandemic and beyond.

“Most importantly, IPRT will continue to advocate for everyone who comes into contact with the Irish penal system – whether they are in prison, on probation, a young person involved with the youth justice system, or a family member impacted by imprisonment – to be treated fairly, with dignity and have their rights respected.”